Eminem has released a new single called “Houdini” that takes aim at several targets, including Megan Thee Stallion and R. Kelly. The song samples his classic hit “Without Me” and features a cartoonish beat that also samples Steve Miller Band’s “Abracadabra.”
In the song, Eminem makes light of Megan Thee Stallion’s 2020 shooting incident with Tory Lanez, rapping: “If I was to ask for Megan Thee/ Stallion if she would collab with me/ Would I really have a shot at a feet?” He also makes a joke about R. Kelly and the leaked sex tape that allegedly showed him urinating on a minor.
The 51-year-old rap legend also takes shots at modern society, including cancelled culture and gender identity. He raps: “My s**t may not be age-appropriate/ but I will hit an eight-year-old in the face with a participation trophy/ ‘Cause I have zero doubts that this whole world’s ’bout to turn into some girl scouts/ That censorship bureau’s out to (shut me down).” He also adds: “My transgender cat’s Siamese/ Identifies as black, but acts Chinese.”
The video for “Houdini” features Eminem donning his Robin-inspired Rap Boy superhero outfit from the iconic “Without Me” visual and battling his Slim Shady alter ego, who has teleported to the present day from 2002. The video, directed by frequent collaborator Rich Lee, features an array of famous faces including Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Royce Da 5’9″, The Alchemist, Jimmy Iovine, manager Paul Rosenberg, and Shady Records signee Westside Boogie. Towards the end of the clip, actor and comedian Pete Davidson also makes an appearance.
“Houdini” serves as the lead single from Eminem’s upcoming 12th album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), which is due out this summer.
Watch video below:
